Number of Graduates with Energy Studies Minor on the Rise

Published: April 24, 2017

Author: Anne Pillai

The number of students graduating from Notre Dame with the Energy Studies Minor continues to rise. On May 19, ND Energy will host its first reception for 22 graduates and their families. As in the past, the minor, housed in the College of Engineering, attracts students from across the University. Many plan to work in the energy sector, while others joined to become more informed about issues they are passionate about. All agree that the variety of course offerings allowed them the freedom to examine aspects of the energy challenge from many different angles.

To complete the minor, students must fulfill a capstone requirement. Emphasizing experience and real-life interactions, some students opt to participate in the Center for Social Concern’s energy-related seminars. These include a week-long trip over fall and spring break to either Appalachia or Washington, D.C. to examine the interaction of various groups as they relate to energy issues. A second option is to take a capstone class, overseen by ND Energy Director Peter Burns, Henry Massman Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences. This course also emphasizes a personalized energy-related experience as well as an examination of current topics.